Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8961
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T18:38:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Public Health Service Act to create a public awareness campaign focused on youth suicide prevention resources for schools. It emphasizes coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and requires visible signage about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Key Provisions
- Adds a new requirement for a public awareness campaign that includes public outreach and support for schools to update signage on suicide prevention resources.
- Specifies that signage must be clear and visible, include the 988 phone number, details on calling, texting, or using chat services, encouraging language for students in distress, and confirmation that the service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
- Lists required display locations in schools, such as entrances, common areas, counselor offices, nurse offices, gymnasiums, auditoriums, art and music rooms, libraries, restrooms, locker rooms, and digital bulletin boards.
- Extends the authorization period for related activities through 2027.
- Redesignates existing subsections to accommodate the new requirements.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces paragraph (3) in subsection (a) of Section 520B to expand the scope of activities beyond current provisions.
- Inserts a new subsection (d) detailing exact signage standards and placement rules.
- Updates the funding authorization end date from 2024 to 2027 in the redesignated subsection (g).
Potential Impacts
- Schools may need to install or update physical and digital signage in multiple specified areas.
- The Department of Health and Human Services would coordinate the campaign and provide support to schools.
- Increased visibility of the 988 lifeline could raise awareness among students and staff about available mental health resources.
- No direct effects on international relations are outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Schools and educational institutions required to display signage.
- Students and school staff who would see the resources.
- The Department of Health and Human Services for campaign implementation.
- Families and communities benefiting from enhanced prevention information.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill focuses on public health outreach through existing federal programs and does not introduce new regulatory mandates beyond signage updates or alter constitutional authorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-21: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-21 — PDF (4 pages)